Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has clarified why he referred to the newly installed Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, as “my dear brother,” following criticism that trailed his congratulatory message.
Gatekeepers News reports that Obi came under fire on social media after his post celebrating the monarch’s ascension to the throne.
In a poston X, he wrote, “I warmly congratulate my dear brother, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, Arusa I, on his installation as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland.”
“His ascension to this revered throne is a celebration for the people of Ibadan and a source of pride for the entire Yoruba nation and Nigeria as a whole.”
The phrasing was faulted by some commentators who argued it breached cultural protocol in addressing traditional rulers.
Responding on Sunday via the same platform, Obi stressed that no disrespect was intended. He said, “Certainly, no disrespect intended in my goodwill message to His Royal Majesty. I felicitated with my dear elder brother, the newly crowned, His Royal Majesty, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja.”
He further explained that he frequently employs the phrase “my dear elder brother” when speaking about respected individuals close to him. He cited his regular affectionate references to the Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Achebe, as an example.
Obi said, “I have read the concerns of those aggrieved by what they considered improper addressing. I respect protocol and authority, and I try, as much as possible, to adhere to them.”
“ However, those who follow me would have noticed that I often prefer to use the expression ‘my dear elder brother’ when addressing individuals especially close to me.”
“In matters of wrongdoing, motive is important. I assure all that my words were borne out of untrammelled goodwill.”